before they can think of Government, according to Health Minister the Hon.

Quinton Edness.

Mr. Edness was replying yesterday to a call by PLP leader Mr. Frederick Wade for a mechanism to be put into place ensuring a smooth transition in the event of a change of Government.

A general election must be called by February and Mr. Wade has said this time change is a real possibility and not a "far-fetched idea''.

But the Health Minster said: "Every time Mr. Wade continues with his hyperbole about the PLP winning the next election he appears as though he is trying to convince himself of the possibility.

"His new endeavours have now caused him to become so presumptuous and take the electorate for granted that he is now talking about preparing for a Government transition.

"Has he forgotten that it will be the people of this Country who will decide the next Government and not the arrogance of any Opposition leader?'' Mr. Edness said that before the PLP could talk about who will be governing the country, Mr. Wade must first put the PLP's fiscal policy before the people of Bermuda.

He said: "This is something that the people have a right to know. Something the PLP has never done.

"The people of Bermuda have a right to know how the PLP will manage the economy. What will be their plan on taxation? How will they pay for all the nice things they say they will provide? Will the Country remain economically stable? And will the people still have jobs and be able to pay mortgages and their children's education costs? "These are important questions to be answered to the satisfaction of the people before arrogantly proclaiming themselves the next Government.

"The UBP economic plan has been laid before the people time and time again.

Essentially it is conservative fiscal policy of balancing the budget, lending, borrowing and taxation, and not spending what you do not have.'' Mr. Edness said that Bermudians would want to know how a Government will manage their affairs before voting them in.

He said: "Mr. Wade should tell us how the PLP plans to do that instead of all the media hype he is putting out about preparing for government transition.''